Nikon's ViewNX2 software - any benefits?

[PeterAit]

My new D600 came with this software. Is there any reason I might want to use it (as opposed to LightRoom and PS)? I like to keep things simple, and would rather not install it if there is no real advantage.

[Schewe]

It'll make your raw files look just like your jpeg files :~)

[PeterAit]

It'll make your raw files look just like your jpeg files :~)

LOL! Thanks, I am happy to feel free to delegate the program CD to my coaster collection.

[jrp]

Is there any reason I might want to use it (as opposed to LightRoom and PS)?

I prefer the colours generated by View NX / Capture NX to those produced by ACR/Lightroom. So generate TIFFs (using Capture NX, but you can do most of what you need in View NX) that I finish in Photoshop.

[stamper]

I recently re installed it because it has - unlike LR - a focus confirmation indicator. Handy if you think you might have back/front focusing problems and wish to confirm you don't.

[stamper]

I prefer the colours generated by View NX / Capture NX to those produced by ACR/Lightroom. So generate TIFFs (using Capture NX, but you can do most of what you need in View NX) that I finish in Photoshop.

This is subjective with respect to colour rendering. Some believe if you have a Nikon camera - I have several - then Nikon "knows best" and that their conversion is superior to other converters. A matter of taste.

[Schewe]

Some believe if you have a Nikon camera - I have several - then Nikon "knows best" and that their conversion is superior to other converters.

One could argue that Nikon software may be better "at default" and clearly better at matching the in-camera JPEGs, but...if you have half a clue how to use ACR/LR, that argument falls to the wayside really quick. If you like the camera "looks" (what Nikon/Canon thinks your raw should look like), go for it...but it's not "right" nor "technically correct", it's just a match to the camera jpegs...

[Jack Hogan]

I like VNX2 and its big brother CNX2 because I try to get things right in camera, and opening the NEF to look just like the OOC image is a great time saver for me - especially if I used ADL, which I tend to do often these days.

Last time I looked (about a year ago) CNX2 was also better than the competition at a number of automatic little things under the hood, such as automatic CA and (especially if you own an 'e' or a D7100) moiré correction.

Jack